McCall MacBain Cultural Leadership Award Program

The McCall MacBain Cultural Leadership Award Program will enable exceptional students to broaden their horizons and gain meaningful experiences beyond their core training in dance. The program is open to students entering the second or third year of Arts Umbrella’s Post-Secondary Dance Program. Four to five students will be selected per year, and their scholarships will consist of funds to support program tuition, professional development opportunities, and travel costs associated with auditions.

Students will also use these scholarships for research and mentorship opportunities to pursue career development through meetings with cultural leaders from across Canada and around the world. Funds from this annual scholarship program will be applied towards program fees, room and board, and travel as outlined in a detailed letter of agreement, developed to suit the needs and interests of each scholar, and approved by the Artistic Director, Dance.

Application Process

To apply for a scholarship students must submit a 500-1,000 word written statement that articulates how they demonstrate the following criteria.

  • Shows the potential to apply complex and sophisticated ideas into practice;
  • Demonstrates confidence and ambition in all areas of study;
  • Shows ability to follow through on assignments and projects;
  • Takes a leadership role in events that are student run;
  • Shows commitment to the ideals and values inherent to the mandate of the program;
  • Demonstrates a collaborative style in the processes and outcomes of events;
  • Shows initiative in dialogues and conversations that define all processes;
  • Shows intellectual rigour in the completion and problem solving of all tasks;
  • Takes initiative to direct and teach when applicable (assistant teaching, assistant rehearsal)
  • Demonstrates a mature level of empathy and awareness of peers, colleagues, and directors.

Applications for the 2024/25 awards are now closed.

The McCall MacBain Cultural Leadership Award Program is generously funded by the McCall MacBain Foundation and the Djavad Mowafaghian Foundation.